Dale N. Helms, 85, of Jonestown, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, at his home. He was the husband of Vernice J. Shuey Helms. On Nov. 3, they celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.
Born in Lebanon on Aug. 1, 1938, he was the son of the late Ralph and Annie Donmoyer Helms.
Dale retired from Quaker Alloy, where he had worked for 44 years. He was an active member of the Ono United Methodist Church. For several years, he served as the assistant to the pastor for visitation. He was also a member of the Northern Lebanon Fire and Emergency Services (Ono Fire Co.). He had served as the past fire chief, assistant fire chief, and president of the Ono Fire Co. He also was a member of the Lebanon County Fireman’s Association and the State Fireman’s Association. For several years, he served as the Lebanon County Fire Marshall. He was a Civil War buff and loved to read its history. He enjoyed traveling to historical sights and doing puzzles. He especially loved spending time with his family.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Diane L., wife of Mark S. Nichols, of Jonestown, Kevin D., husband of Vanessa Helms, of Fredericksburg, and Justin M. Helms, of Baltimore, MD; sister, Laura Kohler, of Pine Grove; grandchildren, Shannon, wife of Barry Spohn, of Lebanon, Lindsay, wife of Brad Wentz, of Wesley Chapel, FL, Teresa, Clarke, and Peter; and his two great-grandsons, Jordan and Carson.
A celebration of life service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, at the Ono United Methodist Church, 9 Main St., Ono. Fellowship time to follow the service at the church fellowship hall upstairs.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Northern Lebanon Fire and Emergency Services, P.O. Box 689, Jonestown, PA 17038, to his church at P.O. Box 126, Ono, PA 17077, or to the American Battlefield Trust, 1156 15th St. NW, Suite 900, Washington, D.C. 20005.
